space-time continuum
Four-dimensional existence framework
The space-time continuum is the four-dimensional framework combining three spatial dimensions with time, treating them as inseparable aspects of a single structure.
Einstein's relativity showed that space and time are not independent—gravity warps both, and motion affects how time passes.
The phrase appears in physics but also in science fiction and casual speech about time travel or temporal anomalies: The flux capacitor creates a rupture in the space-time continuum.
Often shortened to space-time.
- relativityHow observers differ
- manifoldsMulti-branched fluid channels
- time travelMovement across temporal points
- fourth dimensionTemporal coordinate in spacetime
- arrow of timeTime's one-way nature
gravitational waves · geodesics · event horizons · big bang theory · wormhole · simultaneity · speed of light · time dilation · cosmic inflation · singularity · dark energy · black hole · Einstein · ripple · temporal · cosmos · general relativity · fabric
- Back to the FutureDeLorean, Doc Brown, Marty McFly, flux capacitor, time machine
space-time continuumthe void
Complete absence of matter
nothingness · timelessness · eternity · non-existence · spiritual realm
space, continue, continual, continuous, spaced, timing, continued, spaces, discontinue